LPCC, 16 years of experience
New to Grow
I genuinely enjoy connecting with people and value the opportunity to walk alongside them through the shared human experiences of struggle, growth, and healing. I believe that suffering, while deeply painful, is also a powerful gateway to self-understanding and transformation. In my work, I find meaning in helping others make sense of their pain, discover resilience, and find hope even in difficult circumstances. I approach each client with empathy, curiosity, and respect, honoring the courage it takes to face life’s challenges. For me, being part of someone’s journey toward healing is not just my profession—it’s a privilege and a reminder of our shared humanity. My approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in respect for each person’s unique story. I believe that everyone has the capacity for growth and change, and my goal is to provide a safe space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions openly. By integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Humanistic principles, I work to help clients gain insight, make empowered choices, and build more fulfilling, authentic lives. Ultimately, I see therapy as a partnership with fellow life traveler.
In your first session, you can expect a warm, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where the focus is entirely on you. I will spend this time getting to know you as a whole person—your experiences, values, strengths, and the challenges you’re currently facing. Together, we’ll discuss the issues that brought you to therapy, explore your goals, and begin to identify patterns or obstacles that may be affecting your well-being. The session is collaborative, and my aim is to listen deeply, understand your perspective, and help you feel heard and supported. By the end of our time together, you should have a sense of what working together will look like and a foundation for the process of self-exploration and growth. We will mostly gather information and look backwards during this session, but we will quickly become present-focused and mindful or making progress towards your goals.
I am a dually licensed therapist (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor) with extensive experience supporting individuals across a wide range of mental health challenges. I have worked extensively with clients experiencing serious mental illness, depression, anxiety, and personality disorders in outpatient settings, providing compassionate, individualized care tailored to each person’s unique needs. My approach combines evidence-based practices with a humanistic, client-centered focus, ensuring that each individual feels heard, understood, and empowered to explore their own growth and healing. In addition to my work in outpatient care, I have supported clients struggling with substance misuse in both outpatient and residential settings. I have guided individuals through the complexities of addiction and recovery, helping them develop practical coping strategies, make empowered choices, and build the skills necessary for long-term wellness. I also have a strong background in trauma-informed care, working with survivors to process their experiences safely and rebuild a sense of agency and resilience. My experience with adolescents has further allowed me to assist young people in navigating developmental challenges, identity formation, and emotional regulation. Alongside my clinical work, I have served as an adjunct faculty member in an undergraduate counseling program, mentoring future counselors and sharing my clinical expertise to prepare them for the realities of mental health practice. I have presented continuing education sessions at the Kentucky Counseling Association statewide conference, and I have published several articles on counseling topics, contributing to the professional dialogue on effective therapeutic approaches, client engagement, and best practices in mental health care. My combined experience in clinical practice, education, scholarship, and professional development allows me to bring a well-rounded perspective to therapy, grounded in both practical experience and a deep understanding of the field.
My dream client is someone who comes to therapy ready to explore their inner world with openness and courage. They may be struggling with anxiety, depression, or a sense of confusion about who they are and why they feel stuck, but they’re motivated to understand themselves and create real change. This client is willing to put in the work—both in and outside of sessions—because they know that growth requires effort, honesty, and consistency. Together, we approach their challenges as a team, combining curiosity, reflection, and practical steps toward healing. I value clients who are as committed to the process as I am, ready to dig deep, face discomfort, and move forward toward a more balanced, authentic life.
As a humanistic therapist, I focus on creating a warm, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I believe that every individual has an innate capacity for growth and self-understanding, and my role is to help clients reconnect with their strengths and values to achieve greater authenticity and fulfillment. Through empathy, active listening, and unconditional positive regard, I support clients in developing deeper self-awareness and self-acceptance. Together, we work to uncover meaning, enhance personal responsibility, and foster genuine change that aligns with who they truly are.
Using Choice Theory, I help clients focus on the choices they make and how those choices influence their current relationships and overall well-being. Grounded in the principles of choice theory, my approach emphasizes personal responsibility and the understanding that while we can’t always control others or our circumstances, we can control our own behaviors. In therapy, I work collaboratively with clients to identify unmet needs, explore patterns that may be keeping them stuck, and develop practical, achievable plans for change. By focusing on the present and what can be done differently, I aim to empower clients to make more effective choices that lead to greater satisfaction and success in their lives.
In my practice, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Reality Therapy, and Humanistic principles to create a balanced, compassionate, and practical approach to healing. I help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns through CBT, while incorporating Reality Therapy to emphasize personal choice, responsibility, and effective decision-making. Grounded in a Humanistic perspective, I strive to provide a warm, accepting environment where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences and discover their own strengths. By combining these approaches, I support clients in building self-awareness, developing healthier coping strategies, and creating lasting, meaningful change in their lives.